Latest news with #Mbuthuma
The Citizen
13-07-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Mofokeng scores as Orlando Pirates hold Pafos to a draw
Abdeslam Ouaddou made changes to the Pirates side that lost 2-0 to Bolton Wanderers. Orlando Pirates came from a goal down to draw 1-1 with Cypriot champions Pafos FC in their second preseason friendly match at the Marbella Football Center on Sunday afternoon. Abdeslam Ouaddou made changes to the Pirates side that lost 2-0 to Bolton Wanderers in their previous game with Deano van Rooyen, Thalente Mbatha, Kabelo Dlamini and Yanela Mbuthuma all making starts. ALSO READ: Chiefs suffer third straight defeat in the Netherlands Pafos enjoyed most of the possession in the early stages, which resulted in the opening goal after just six minutes when João Correia beat Sipho Chaine with a powerful shot. Mbuthuma came close to finding the equaliser for the Buccaneers in the 21st minute when he was setup by Dlamini, but the striker shot narrowly wide of goal. A minute later Mbekezeli Mbokazi saw his goal bound shot being parried away for a corner kick by goalkeeper Thanos Papadoudis. Pirates didn't have to wait long for the equaliser as an off-balanced Relebohile Mofokeng beat Papdoudis with a low shot after he was sent through on goal by Oswin Appollis. The teams were locked at 1-1 at the break. Ouaddou made changes at the start of the second half introducing goalkeeper Siyabonga Dladla, midfielder Cemran Dansin and striker Boitumelo Radiopane for Chaine,Mbule and Mbuthuma respectively. ALSO READ: Sekhukhune United snap up ex-Orlando Pirates midfielder He later introduced Tshepang Moremi, Karim Kimvuidi, Patrick Maswanganyi and Lebone Seema, but in the end Pirates had to settle for a draw. Pirates will next face Las Palmas in their next preseason friendly match on Thursday.
The South African
25-06-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Watch: New Orlando Pirates signing arrives in JHB before unveiling
Orlando Pirates have announced the signing of Sipho Mbule on Tuesday but more players had been signed before him. Pirates are believed to have now signed nine players to their squad following the arrival of Mbule on a free. Others being Kabelo Kgositsile, Masindi Nemtajela, Nkosikhona Ndaba, Tshepo Mashiloane, Sihle Nduli, Tshepang Moremi , Sinoxolo Kwayiba and Yanela Mbuthuma. The Sea Robbers are set to begin their pre-season on the 7th of July and all of those players are expected to be there. But one of those players seems to have already arrived in Johannesburg to familiarise himself with his new surroundings. This as he prepares for an official announcement from Pirates. Striker Mbuthuma was recently captured on camera arriving at the OR Tambo International airport. This as a sign that his move to Pirates has indeed been completed like was widely reported last week. An even bigger sign was the fact that he was not present as Richards Bay FC began pre-season this week. Mbuthuma had been a long-term target for Pirates who were after him since the beginning of last season. It was thought that they made an attempt to sign him during the January transfer window but with no luck. The Sea Robbers have now fended off interest from arch rivals Kaizer Chiefs to win his signature. Watch the short video of his arrival below. The striker comes to Pirates fresh from being involved with Bafana Bafana in the recent international window. Mbuthuma will be competing with other strikers in Evidence Makgopa and Tshegofatso Mabasa. This while there is still a question mark over the futures of Boitumelo Radiopane and Zakhele Lepasa. Pirates fans are you happy with Mbuthuma's arrival? Let us know by clicking on the comment tab. Or by emailing info@ or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. You can also follow @TheSAnews on X and The South African on Facebook for the latest news.
The South African
23-06-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Orlando Pirates face backlash over Mbuthuma signing
Orlando Pirates have come under fire from former goalkeeper Moeneeb Josephs, who has openly criticised the club's reported signing of Richards Bay FC striker Yanela Mbuthuma. The 23-year-old forward has reportedly completed a move to the Soweto giants despite recently inking a fresh five-year deal with the Natal Rich Boyz, a deal signed just four weeks ago. Mbuthuma had also attracted interest from Pirates' fierce rivals Kaizer Chiefs. But if reports of the move are accurate, the Buccaneers would have had to pay a hefty transfer fee to secure his signature. However, Josephs doesn't believe Mbuthuma fits the profile Pirates should be chasing. He believes the club should focus on recruiting from the league's top-performing teams. 'Why are we looking for players from clubs that are not above the top eight [small teams]? No offence to the player that we have signed,' Josephs said on SoccerBeat . 'Look at how many goals he scored last season: he scored six goals in 27 games. However, no offence to him, but how many games did he start? So, that's like one goal every six games, pardon me if my math is off.' 'But my mind is telling me that we should be looking at the big boys [from big clubs]. We should look inside the top eight teams because outside of the top eight, there's nothing.' In contrast, Josephs had nothing but praise for Pirates' acquisition of AmaZulu FC winger Tshepang Moremi. The 24-year-old, who officially joined the Buccaneers two days ago, impressed for Usuthu last season with four goals and seven assists in 31 appearances. Josephs applauded Moremi's attitude, hunger and potential to thrive at a big club. 'Yes, I like Tshepang Moremi. He looks the part and is hungry. That boy looks like he wants to do something and achieve things, you know,' said Josephs. 'So, he is not someone who is going to be happy with getting two pairs of Adidas tracksuits and one pair of sneakers and going to the mall.' Is Mbuthuma a good Orlando Pirates signing? Let us know by leaving a comment below or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
20-06-2025
- Sport
- The South African
DONE DEAL: Orlando Pirates beat Kaizer Chiefs to 7th signing!
Orlando Pirates have reportedly sealed the deal on yet another signing ahead of next season, beating Kaizer Chiefs to it. Pirates will be looking to challenge Mamelodi Sundowns again and they have been beating Chiefs in the Market. In previous windows it has been a common practice to see both Pirates and Chiefs in the same market. They were believed to be chasing the likes of Oswin Appollis. Furthermore, his Polokwane City teammate Thabang Matuludi, Chippa United star Sinoxolo Kwayiba too. The two clubs are also reported to be interested in Fawaaz Basadien, who Mamelodi Sundowns are eyeing too. The next player that the two clubs were thought to be battling for is Masindi Nemtajela of Marumo Gallants. More players seemed to be added to the list. Rowan Human makes a return, while a new entry is Etiosa Ighodaro. Young SuperSport United left-back Neo Rapoo was also mentioned just last week. Late in the previous season the name of Richards Bay FC striker Yanela Mbuthuma was also mentioned. Now according to SABC Sport, he is set to sign for Pirates despite interest from rivals Chiefs as well. 'SABC Sport can confirm that Orlando Pirates have concluded a deal for Richards Bay forward Yanela Mbuthuma, adding him to a growing list of new signings to be unveiled by The Buccaneers in the coming days. Mbuthuma impressed Pirates with his form this season, which was also amplified by the six goals in 27 matches from all competitions despite Richards Bay initially struggling in the early stages of the season. it is understood the Pirates offer was too good to refuse and Richards Bay have already signed Gabadinho Mhango after the veteran Malawi international parted ways with Marumo Gallants.' Wrote the publication. Pirates fans, how big a signing is Mbuthuma ahead of the 2025/26 season? Let us know by clicking on the comment tab. Or by emailing info@ or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. You can also follow @TheSAnews on X and The South African on Facebook for the latest news.
The South African
19-06-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Orlando Pirates hijack Mbuthuma deal: Here's what happened
Orlando Pirates have pulled off a surprise transfer coup by signing Richards Bay forward Yanela Mbuthuma, defying expectations after the KwaZulu-Natal club vowed not to sell their prized asset, as per SABC Sport . The Buccaneers moved swiftly behind the scenes and successfully convinced the 23-year-old to join their ranks ahead of the new season. Despite Richards Bay recently tying Mbuthuma down to a five-year deal, the striker has now officially penned terms with the Soweto giants. Mbuthuma becomes the second Richards Bay player to join Orlando Pirates in the current transfer window, following the earlier capture of 22-year-old Nkosikhona Ndaba. While details remain under wraps, the two deals may point to a broader agreement between the two clubs. The shock move raises questions about Richards Bay's transfer stance, especially after the club publicly insisted they wouldn't entertain any offers for Mbuthuma. Mbuthuma caught the eye with his performances last season, netting six goals in 27 appearances across all competitions. His consistency and attacking flair helped Richards Bay recover from a slow start to secure a top-eight finish in the DStv Premiership. Impressed by his potential, Pirates wasted no time in adding the dynamic forward to their squad as they look to boost their attacking options for the upcoming campaign. Richards Bay attempted to fend off suitors by locking down their key players on long-term contracts. However, Pirates' ambition and Mbuthuma's desire for a bigger stage appear to have trumped that strategy. With more unveilings expected from the Sea Robbers in the coming days, Mbuthuma's arrival signals a strong statement of intent from the Soweto side as they aim for silverware next season. Is this a good deal for Orlando Pirates? Let us know by leaving a comment below or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
